What the Heck is ‘Healthy?’
Hi guys! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to an amazing start.
I started mine off with a sweaty iron-pumping sesh, a trip to the post office (package is on the way, my Pilot lurve), and a glorious breakfast.
It’s been too long….
They were just as amazing as I remember 🙂
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So as I’m sure you guys know, there’s been a lot of brouhaha in the blog world this past week. A lot of *bad* happened, but some very thoughtful and much-needed conversations occurred as well. I especially loved *this post* by my friend Heather regarding blogger responsibilities.
Throughout last week, quite a lot of talk went down classifying bloggers’ actions/training plans/eating styles as “healthy” or “unhealthy”.
It got me thinking: What the heck is healthy, anyway??
Disclaimer: If you are currently struggling with ED or in recovery and think that reading about this topic may result in a trigger effect or is a sensitive issue, please skip the rest of this post. I don’t ever want to offend or influence others, just share my experiences and what has worked for me and what hasn’t. Everyone is different and knows how certain things affect their bodies and minds—it’s up to us to use our best judgment.
“Healthy” is such a subjective term and what is considered healthy and normal for one person, may be not-so-healthy to someone else. In the beginning of my weight loss journey and even into maintenance mode, I thought *healthy* was about perfection. While I never had an official eating disorder, I definitely participated in disordered eating, which I’m sure many women unintentionally do when they’re flooded with so much information and trying to find a balance.
There was a [very short] time in college when I ate a few Quaker granola bars for each of my meals and snacks. It wasn’t for weight loss or anything like that, but they tasted good, were inexpensive and I thought they were *healthy*. Going for an entire day without a fruit or vegetable is anything but. When I was trying to lose weight, I tried a variety of crazy diets (all of which I’ve written about on the blog) and there was a time when my life was very sugar-free, fat-free, low carb and chemical-laden. I tried so hard to be what I thought was *perfect*, almost all of the time, which I now know isn’t a fun or healthy way to live.
I eventually realized that “healthy” is IMperfection. Not being afraid to skip a day at the gym, eat indulgent desserts without regard to calories or fat, and cutting yourself some slack… not just with fitness and eating, but with life. Taking time for a nap, a pedicure, a snuggle sesh, or a glass of vino and great chat with a friend.
On the other hand, I think it’s so important to make fitness and nutrition a priority, without taking it overboard, for long and happy lives.
So what’s the difference between healthy and unhealthy?
Is it the intention behind actions? The comfort in not always being *perfect*?
What does healthy mean to you??
I’m OFF work today, so it’s time to run amuck in Orlando. And by that, I mean do laundry and get groceries before dance tonight 😉
See ya later today!
xoxo,
Gina
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To me, healthy means being able to take care of my kids. Physically, and mentally. Being able to keep up with them is my motivation!
Healthy to me means: being aware and purposeful with what is going into my body. Still having occasional treats, but mainly fueling my body with real food. Also moving daily. Making sure I take time to exercise, even if it is going for a short walk or jumping on the trampoline with my kids. And not obsessing about either side…the nutritional part or the fitness related stuff.
Being healthy is eating the correct amount of fruits and vegetables a day, but knowing that you need to add in the carbs and fat too to have a balanced meal. I’m a nursing student and constantly have to tell patients about the myplate website that goes over what are good foods you should be eating more of than the more fattening things. It’s all about the balance of good foods and weeding out processed sugars and carbs.
Healthy to me means being happy with my body and all it can do for me when I treat it right. It is amazing the difference I feel when I am eating healthy and exercising regularly compared to when I’m being naughty. 🙂
Healthy is when I treat my body right by feeding it food full of nutrients and also fill up on endorphins through awesome workouts. I swear when you feel healthy, your outlook on life changes from complaining and whining nonstop to feeling like the whole world is singing the HALLELUJIAH chorus!
Being healthy to me is about finding balance – doing good things for my mind and body and also knowing when to give myself a break. YOLO, as they say.
The word healthy means so much more to me than looking good in a bathing suit. It means being the best me for my husband and daughter. It means taking care of myself physically, spiritually, and mentally and leading by example for my family.
Being healthy means making choices today that will make me feel and look better tomorrow.
Healthy is about doing what makes your body feel good. Sometimes that is a salad and a 4 mile run and sometimes that is pizza and beer. It is being able to run around and play tag with your family with out having to stop to catch your breath. It is being willing to give up the perfectionist attitude about everything and being willing to cut loose a little and also be able to forgive yourself. Healthy is having fun and living a meaningful life and it’s all about balancing it all out.
Healthy is when I treat my body and spirit in a respectful, loving way. This means doing my best every day to sleep well, devote time to my relationship with God, family and friends, exercise, and eat nourshing, satisfying foods in amounts that make my stomach feel good.
Healthy to me means eating a balenced diet 80% of the time and listening to your body when working out. Feeling fit to me means sweating 4-5 x a week. It’s a lifestyle not a diet!
Being healthy means treating my body, mind, and soul like royalty.
To me, being healthy means staying strong so I can always chase after my kids 🙂
Being healthy to me is three-fold 1) Eating food that is good for your body, 2) Exercising regularly, and 3) Maintaining a positive attitude. Balancing these three components helps me feel good about myself on the inside and the outside!
Healthy to me means feeling good. Whether it’s paleo, whole foods, vegan, or anything else, it’s what makes YOU feel good that counts!
Healthy is feeling good in your own skin. Having an understanding of what you can and cannot change. A will to try to approach each new day with a renewed sense of passion for life. Of knowing that selflessly giving of yourself is often the best gift you give yourself. Most of all, and perhaps the most difficult to achieve, being present.
Healthy to me is being a good role model for my kids. That exercise is fun!
Healthy means finding balance to nourish the mind, body, and soul <3
To me healthy is staying active, eating real food, and taking care of my body so 50 years from know I’ll still look and feel great!
Healthy is having a strong body mind and spirt!
Healthy is so subjective. I try to of what feels best.
It’s mostly about balance for me. If I have to choose throwing
Pitches in the back yard to a child vs spin class I’m going to choose playing.
Food wise I try to eat what’s healthy for me and what’s healthy for the planet.
I dabble in Raw in the summertime, meat-free for many meals, lots of veggies. I’ve
Learned to crave green smoothies. Learned my body feels bloated if I eat too man
Simple carbs. Dairy is not my friend. But if I’m in NY to visit family, I’m not going to turn
Down my gma’s spaghetti and meatballs.
To me, healthy is feeling physically great while being as happy as a clam in the process!
Healthy is finding balance in life and being proud of your choices.
For me, healthy means a clear-eyed relationship with food, fitness, and time. It means eating real food that fuels my body most of the time and truly enjoying it – but also enjoying treats with no measure of guilt. It means moving my body every day, even if it’s just a little, because I know I feel better mentally and physically. And it means taking time for myself, making time for the people I love, and being conscious of not spending too much time working myself into the ground. The short version: healthy = self love.
To me being healthy is finding a sustainable food and exercise plan that you can maintain and one in which you are mindful of your food/exercise habits without becoming obsessive.
To me, healthy means fueling your body with good wholesome foods and exercising to keep your heart healthy and make you feel good inside and out!
Healthy to me means being happy. It means allowing myself to indulge in dessert once in a while, ok more than once in a while :), skip a workout when I don’t feel up to it and spend time with my boyfriend instead. Healthy is balancing work, life, and family.
Healthy is making time to take care of yourself. It could be working out, eating breakfast, managing stress, and getting enough rest.
Healthy = balance. Too much of a good thing can be just as detrimental as bad, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual.
Healthy to me is creating balance both mentally and physically and taking care of my body.
Healthy is drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, moving every day, and eating foods that make my body feel good.
Being healthy is about respecting our bodies and minds enough to treat them well. Sometimes that means eating some ice cream, sometimes it means fighting our way through a run. It means being surrounded by positive relationships and leaving the toxic ones behind. It means not only working out our bodies, but also our minds.
healthy to me is workinug out to feel good (and not overdoing it), eating clean & green food to nourish your body but indulging a little when the urge arises! (80/20)
To me, being healthy means taking care of my body and mind as best as I can so that I am able to maintain a good quality of life as I age, both for myself and for my family.
For me, being healthy is a feeling.When I am healthy I’m free to do anything I want to….chase after my kiddos, take a run with my hubby, swim at the lake, eat good foods, and take time for myself. It is a multifaceted idea that includes mind, body, and spirit.
Healthy is feeling good-active, strong, & fit. Where the “health” decisions you make throughout the day leave you feeling at peace with yourself.
Healthy for me means eating vibrant, fresh food and allowing for the occasional indulgence (vino and dark chocolate, anyone?). It also means honoring my body with quality sleep, a good massage, and movement every day whether it be walking the pups, going for a run, or yoga.
healthy for me is a balance. Eating healthy but splurging a little, working out but knowing when to take it easy, doing what makes you happy.
Being healthy to me means being in a good place mentally to make good choices for your body and achieve happiness in life. Knowing balance and enjoying life!
My definition of healthy has changed over the years and especially over the last 9 months. I am athletic and push myself very hard, but have bad “genes”. I thought working out and eating a strict diet kept me in the clear. Then I while pregnant I thought I finally had the opportunity to slack a bit. That is until I found out I had gestational diabetes. No one believed I had it but family genetics and type 2 diabetes on both sides of my fily made it a reality. Once again, I had a strict eating plan but through this experience learned the importance of not eliminating but balancing! Balancing carbs and protein in every meal, while working out at an appropriate level. Now with a 4 week old son, I am striving to maintain this new healthy!
“Healthy” to me means loving an honoring your body and taking care of it!
Love that Bella sponsored the post 😉
Healthy. Wow, it’s a big one. It means so much more than we’re told or assume! To me, a healthy life is one that is fueled by love for God, dedication, discipline, passion, and the pursuit of wholeness!
What it means to be healthy to me is to be happy, confident and comfortable! When I know I’m my healthiest I also am all these things and it’s a great feeling!
Healthy is having a balance between work, family, friends, and activity. I think that looks different to each person.
Healthy to me is being physically and mentally fit
and learning to love ourselves and all of our flaws. Always
be the best you can be!
Healthy is working on my body and mind daily so I can continue to keep up with my kids and teach my daughter and son that healthy is more than a number on the scale (I’m still learning too)!
Healthy, for me, means feeling the best that I can and not letting myself be brought down by numbers on a scale or other random external things. It’s taking control of my life to make it the best that it can be right now, whether it’s my job, my family or my fitness. It’s living for the present, planning for future and not dwelling on the past.
I’m still trying to figure out what healthy is to me….I wish I ate better foods to fuel my workouts. I want to be healthy for my family! Healthy is happy! 🙂
healthy to me means being without pain. it means listening to your body and giving it the food that it needs. it means exercising enough but not too much and taking time off when you need it. healthy is what is strive for .
To me, healthy is being balanced in your attention to physical, social and mental wellness. Not being overly concerned with any one of those and not neglecting them either.